News

Sen. Bob Nonini’s $10 million income tax credit bill barely squeaked through the House, but was voted down handily by the Senate’s tax panel.

In a turbulent hearing, senators defy Chairman John Goedde on a budget bill, take steps to revive one labor bill, and keep another budget bill in legislative limbo.

Lawmakers replaced school safety plans with plan to protect gun owners from firearms seizure.

The bill would require salary and benefits be renegotiated every year between districts and teachers’ representatives.

The Senate delayed a vote on two controversial charter schools bills Monday. Details on those bills — and the rest of the legislative endgame.

The 2012-13 budget fix for public schools — which seemed to be a legislative slam dunk — is now caught in the end-of-session endgame.

The Senate rejected a bill to allow school districts to cut salaries and contract days. But the vote may have been a calculated move to signal opposition to the 2013-14 public schools budget.

Those seeking to place an initiative or referendum on the ballot would need to gather a certain percentage of signatures in 18 legislative districts.

The 2013-14 school budget calls for a 2.2 percent increase in general fund spending, but still must overcome opposition in the Senate.

Chairman John Goedde said the 2012-13 funding bill isn’t dead, but the clock does appear to be ticking on the 2013 legislative session.